Tools

By
Ashley Thompson

Story Created:
May 14, 2014 at 6:06 PM CST

Residents in one Montgomery neighborhood are stunned to learn their neighborhood store clerk has been shot. Montgomery has seen an increase in violence this week and some believe it's only going to get worst with summer coming.

The 4-Way Convenience store sits on the corner of Hill Street and Mobile Road. It's the neighborhood store in this area.

"I come here all the time," says Marilyn Blanding. "On my way from work, on my way to work. I always come there."

But the store was closed Wednesday afternoon while Montgomery Police investigated a crime scene. The clerk was shot and taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries.

"I think it's a tragedy," says resident Angela Wilson. "It just doesn't make sense. You know, because the guy that works in there, he's a very nice guy. Every time you go in there, if you're short any change, he'll let you go by."

"He's real sweet," says Felicia Cleveland, who lives next door. "Every time I go in there, he's always a nice person. You don't have enough change, he'll let you go."

This shooting follows Tuesday's shooting, where 25-year-old Brandon McClain was killed at a convenience store near Lower Wetumpka Road and Forbes Drive. Police say they have a suspect but are not releasing a name because of the ongoing investigation. Public Safety Director Chris Murphy says the two are not related.

"Yesterday's shooting appears to be personal," he explains. "It appears to be between two individuals who knew each other. This shooting appears to be a robbery that resulted in the clerk shooting."

But that's not making residents feel any better.

"I just think it's pathetic," says Blanding. "Pathetic. People are just...I don't even have words for it."